CRMH: Virginia's First Safe Haven Baby Box Location

We have partnered with Safe Haven Baby Boxes (SHBB) to install Virginia’s first box at CRMH. Prior to 2022, Virginia law required parents to hand the newborn directly to a professional at a 24-hour Emergency Medical Services facility or Emergency Department within 14 days of birth. The new law provides a private and safe environment for relinquishing a baby up to 30 days after birth.

“For many parents, the shame and embarrassment of having to do this is unbearable and I’m hopeful this will help those parents and newborns in need and decrease the risk of newborns being abandoned in unsafe environments,” says Michelle Franklin, vice president of Women’s Services who initiated plans to install the boxes.  

This project could not have been possible without the local advocates, donors to the Carilion Clinic Foundation, Robins & Morton Construction Company and Branch Builds, who worked tirelessly to bring this resource to their community.

SHBB Frequently Asked Questions  

What is a Safe Haven Baby Box? 
A Safe Haven Baby Box is a climate-controlled, ventilated and clean medical bassinet, with safe-sleep-approved bedding waiting to receive an infant placed inside. Hospital staff are trained in its operation and the response process for when a baby is surrendered. 

What happens when a child is placed in the box? 
The Safe Haven Baby Box outer door automatically locks when an infant is placed inside. A silent alarm notifies responders who immediately attend to the baby. The baby will be taken to the Emergency Department and have a medical evaluation, before being given to the Virginia Department of Social Services who will take custody of the infant. 

The baby box contains an orange packet of information for the parent who surrenders their infant to take. This packet explains Virginia’s Safe Haven Law, the surrender process and steps to take if the parent changes their mind.  

Legally, what happens when a baby is surrendered?  
Babies surrendered under the Safe Haven law are relinquished to the Department of Social Services to begin the process of terminating parental rights and placing them with an adoptive family.  

A private "blessing" event for the box is scheduled for Tuesday, July 8 at 1PM when the baby box installed at CRMH will be operational. The event is closed to the public.